We offer three home visiting programs in Gregg County as part of an early childhood initiative grant. Each program is designed to meet specific age groups of children and concerns of expectant first time mothers.
They provide families with education and resources to prepare children for school readiness and a lifetime of health and success. These programs are nationally recognized and proven effective in enriching the lives of parents and their children.
These programs are part of our Family Bridge Coalition, an umbrella of programs designed to help parents empower themselves as their children’s first teacher, and to connect families who have young children and expectant mothers with education, support and resources needed to prepare children for school readiness and a lifetime of health and success.
Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)
Early Pregnancy (before 28 weeks) through 2 years
This offers a maternal and early childhood health program, delivered by BSN prepared registered nurses, to assist first-time mothers to have a healthy pregnancy, become knowledgeable and responsible parents, and provide their babies with the best possible start in life. The strong bond between mother and nurse provides the foundation for strong families, and lives are forever changed-for the better.
Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-School Youngsters (HIPPY)
Children 3-4 years
This program provides parents with a 30-week curriculum of in-home instruction and is designed to give parents the tools they need to become their child’s first teacher. Lesson plans, children’s books, crayons, scissors and other materials needed to teach your child is provided at no cost. Over 30 years of research have all shown that children who complete the HIPPY program have much higher graduation rates and excel academically. Must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1st of the current year.
Parents As Teachers (PAT)
Pre-natal through 5 years
This program recognizes that parents are their children’s first and most influential teachers. The early years of a child’s life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life. The PAT programs trains the parent to recognize developmental and health issues, and parent education to help parents understand their role in encouraging their child’s development from the beginning.